Incumbent Haddon Heights Councilman Stephen Berryhill and stepdaughter Melissa Carpenter pose in front of their home in Haddon Heights.

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Borough resident Melissa Carpenter admits she doesn't like to speak in public. She a bit awkward in social situations, and quite shy, the 19-year-old adds.

But the challenges Carpenter faces - caused by Asperger's syndrome - are not stopping the college student from throwing her hat into the political arena.

The biology major at Rutgers-Camden is one of three Democrats seeking council seats in Haddon Heights in November. She'll be joining her stepfather, third-year councilman Stephen Berryhill, and township attorney and fireman Rob White on the ballot. ...